LOL!! OK I know they need a chill to set buds, most won't bloom (new cuttings) but I do have an easter cactus that will bloom in spring. ANYWAY - it gets COLD here -- I know I have several kinds and we can't be exact, but at what evening temps should I be bringing them in? Especially the cuttings, are they more tender beacuse they are new?
Thanks!
Heather
Epis - how cold is chilly?
Hi Heather, I see you didn't get an answer here yet. I have all my Orchid Cacti outside all year. It drops down into the 50's in the fall and the 40's in the winter with the coldest temperatures getting down to 35 for only a few short hours in the early morning before the sun comes up. Mainly, nighttime winter temps stay in the 40's when it is clear and a little warmer when there is cloud cover. All my epi's take this just fine, but microclimates should be considered as well. I believe that I have some warm microclimates in my area due to some surrounding structures. If I lived in your zone, I would probably bring them in before nighttime temps dropped into the low 40's. Some epi's do need winter chill to bloom well, which is why it is good to let them experience some cold, but mid- to high-40's should be sufficient. It appears that they won't suffer any damage until freezing weather occurs at 32 degrees so don't let them experience that. Cuttings don't appear to be any different. I've rooted cuttings outside in the winter in hanging baskets.
I was curious about this too. Last night it got down to 39, but since my christmas cactus is starting to set buds I wanted to leave it out till the last possible minute I could, before I brought it inside where there is a little less light and I'm not sure if the buds will continue to develop properly. I guess it's time to take it inside...hoping for some flowers!
Kat
Thanks!
My epis live on my front porch year-round. Our winter lows are about 20 degrees, but on occaision we drop a little lower. They are fine on the covered porch because no frost touches them there.
My Christmas Cactus live in my office year-round as house plants. All have set buds and some are beginning to open. The lowest it has gotten in my office has been 69 degrees.
K